Seoul: The Doosan Bears have made significant strides in reshaping their roster by signing free agent shortstop Park Chan-ho to a multiyear contract. Park's acquisition marks the first major move in South Korean baseball's open market this winter.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Park Chan-ho inked a four-year deal with the Bears, valued at up to 8 billion won (approximately US$5.5 million). This includes a signing bonus of 5 billion won and a total salary of 2.8 billion won, with the potential to earn an additional 200 million won through incentives. Park, who is 30 years old, became the first of 21 free agents to sign a contract since the market opened on November 9.
Park spent the first decade of his career with the Kia Tigers, after being selected in the fifth round of the 2013 draft. Throughout his tenure in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), Park has demonstrated impressive skills, boasting a career line of .266/.328/.332 over 1,088 games, with 23 home runs, 353 RBIs, 514 runs scored, and 187 steals. He has logged the most innings at shortstop in the KBO over the past five seasons, earning accolades such as the KBO Fielding Award in 2023 and 2024, and the Golden Glove in 2024.
Park's speed on the bases is notable, having led the KBO in steals in 2019 and 2022. Since 2019, he has recorded 182 steals, the second-highest total in the league during this period, trailing only his new teammate, Jung Soo-bin, who has 185 steals.
Both the Kia Tigers and the Doosan Bears missed the postseason in 2025. However, the Bears showed improvement in the latter half of the season, largely due to their young players stepping up. Park is expected to provide leadership and stability to the Bears' infield, which is composed of emerging young talent.
The Bears expressed confidence in Park's abilities, stating, "Park Chan-ho is one of the best defensive shortstops in the league and he can be the stabilizing force on our youthful team. He is a great leadoff hitter with aggressive baserunning style. We expect him to breathe new life into our team." Park, a lifelong Bears fan, shared his excitement about joining the team and expressed gratitude to the Tigers' supporters.
In addition to signing Park, the Bears have also re-signed their own free agent, Jo Soo-haeng. The 32-year-old outfielder agreed to a four-year deal worth up to 1.6 billion won. Jo's contract includes a 600 million won signing bonus, 800 million won in total salary, and the potential to earn an additional 200 million won in incentives.
Jo has been a standout base stealer in the KBO, leading the league with 64 stolen bases in 2024 and finishing fourth in 2025 with 30 steals. Over the past five years, Jo has accumulated 163 steals, the highest total in the league during this span. A first-round pick in the 2015 draft, Jo has spent his entire career with the Bears, and this new contract is likely to see him retire with the team.